Kier, the big construction and infrastructure firm, with a major base in Gloucester, has announced a UK-wide restructuring of its business, with an emphasis on 'sustainability'.

The new structure divides the operation into five business units comprising four regional businesses and its maintenance section, and two new specialist teams focussing on sustainability and design.

The operations in Gloucestershire come under the Western and Wales region.

Anthony Irving will continue as managing director of Western & Wales and will also take overall responsibility for safety, health, and wellbeing within the business. Within this region, Kier is delivering the UK's first 'Passivhaus' standard ultra-low carbon leisure centre at St Sidwell's Point in Exeter, which is designed to save 70% in annual energy costs.

Kier Construction delivers over 170 projects each year for central and local Government, as well as regulated and blue-chip private sector clients. 78% of its work is from repeat customers including NHS Trusts across the UK, the Ministry of Justice, the Defence Infrastructure Organisation, the Department for Education and local authorities.

Two newly formed functions will focus on operational excellence and closer alignment to clients and markets, offering digitally-enabled, sustainable solutions. As the UK's leading regional builder, the four regional businesses will continue to exploit its extensive regional footprint.

The two new functions are:

'Clients & Markets' responsible for the sustainability strategy within the business and implementing net zero ambitions.

And, 'Operations' developing Kier's capabilities in building technologies and design.

Liam Cummins, Group Managing Director for Kier Construction, said: "This new structure underpins the delivery of our strategy for sustainable growth over the next five years. With our four regional businesses and Kier Places, we are focused on continuing to position ourselves for growth in our primary sectors and within key geographical locations, further strengthening our position as the UK's leading regional builder.

"The creation of two new operational and client and markets' functions allows us to unlock further potential in key markets, as well as providing operational certainty for our clients. This revised structure ensures we continue to offer market-leading solutions for our clients and the communities we serve now and in the future.

"This new operating model and senior leadership team puts us in the strongest position to deliver sustainable growth over the next five years."